AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah.”
“Wondering where you are?”
I huff a noise.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Dad says dryly.
Turning the phone face-down in my lap, I squeeze it with my scarred hand.
The party is in a field just on the outskirts of town, across from where the fairgrounds are. It’s only five miles away from Grady Prep, and we’re already more than halfway there, so I don’t bother replying.
Seth knew I’d be meeting him there after the game. He just assumed I’d be catching a ride with Case or Fletch like I usually do. So he’s probably confused as fuck just like the rest of them.
“Vale.”
“Don’t start.”
Dad sighs. “Fine. But you really should put that poor boy out of his misery.”
Rolling my eyes, I say, “What did I just say?”
He holds up a hand, thankfully backing off.
We’re silent as another mile passes before the woods break off into giant cornfields along either side. My dad eases the SUV to a stop just where there’s a short turn-off to the right.
Across the street, there’s a big gap in the cornfields where the fairgrounds reside. I can just make out the shape of metal fencing and dark, vacant structures flickering under the full moon.
This time next month it will be all lit up for the annual Crowley Harvest Carnival. A town staple that spans back to when it was founded, or so I’ve heard.
I fling open the passenger door before my dad can even shift into park, letting in a rush of chilly autumn air into the SUV, and what sounds to be the muffled bass of some screamo song playing from shitty truck speakers somewhere nearby.
My rib cage expands as I jump out, stretching, inhaling the sweet, earthy scent of wood and leaves burning into the night air.
You can’t make out the giant-ass bonfire from here, not with the cornfields so tall and dense this time of year. But just over the tops of the stalks, you can make out a couple embers dancing in the night sky. Smoke billowing, expanding, and disappearing.
“Should I expect you home tonight?” my dad asks loud enough to be heard across the front seat.
Gripping the top of the SUV, I duck down slightly to poke my head in to say, “Probably not.”
He shakes his head, but is well familiar with this song and dance now. Our relationship might not be of the typical parent and kid variety, but there is a level of respect and trust between us that most don’t have.
I know, in a way, it’s because I feel like I owe him. I hate that it feels like that, but it is what it is.
Could be a lot worse.
Hell, it has been a lot worse.
I might be really bad at doing the whole grateful thing, but I’m not so far up my own ass that I can’t see how good I have it.
And it’s all because of him.
“I’ll call if I need a ride,” I say, knowing it’s what he needs to hear.
He nods, a silent thank you if there ever was one.
Just as I go to shut the door, he stops me.
“Hey, Vale.”
